Like most personal injury accidents, slip and fall accidents happen in an instant. They leave accident victims with severe injuries that are not only extremely painful, but are also costly to treat. In many cases, individuals involved in these accidents can file claims for compensation against the property owner or occupier. These claims are not as straightforward as they seem, however. Anyone hurt should always speak to a Fairfield slip and fall lawyer who can help ensure they secure the full amount of compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall AccidentsAlthough any unsafe condition may cause a slip and fall, there are some causes of these accidents that are more common than others. These include:
Any time a person is injured due to one of these unsafe conditions, they should speak to a slip and fall attorney in Fairfield for help claiming the damages they need to make a full recovery.
Statute of Limitations on Slip and Falls in FairfieldFairfield, like all of California, has a statute of limitations on slip and fall accidents. This is the amount of time injured individuals have to file their claim. In most cases, this time limit is two years from the date of the accident, although that time is sometimes extended to two years from the date the accident victim discovered the injury. Other situations may toll, or suspend, the statute of limitations, as well. For example, if the accident victim was under the age of 18 at the time, they have until after two years from their 18th birthday to file a claim.
Slip and Fall Claims vs. Slip and Fall LawsuitsMany people do not want to file a claim against a property owner after they are injured because the owner is a friend. For example, a person may make a social visit to a friend’s house and trip on a broken step on the porch. Even when they suffer serious injuries, they do not want to file a lawsuit against their friend.
Fortunately, most slip and fall accident cases do not reach the point where a lawsuit is necessary. Most of these claims are filed with the property owner’s insurance company, and the insurer then pays the damages. A property owner will only be personally liable for paying damages if the case goes to court and a lawsuit is filed directly against them, which is rare.
A Fairfield Slip and Fall Lawyer can Help with Your CaseIf you have been hurt in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property, do not file your claim alone. At the Brod Law Firm, a slip and fall attorney in Fairfield is happy to assist with your case and help you recover the full amount of damages you deserve. Call us today at (800) 427-7020 or contact us online to arrange a free case evaluation and to learn how we can help with your claim.